Saturday, May 29, 2010

Bids for Beckham, Cole and Henry

David Sullivan claims West Ham have tried to sign Joe Cole and Thierry Henry and are also keen on David Beckham. However it also sounds like Sullivan thinks West Ham will lose Matthew Upson.

"We’ve asked Joe Cole but Joe Cole said no. We asked him to name a price but he said he doesn’t want to come back.

"We’re fishing high and wide and we’ll land a few. We’re probably looking at 50 players and we might sign four or five. A lot depends on who goes.’

"We’re looking at a centre half from Spain who is only 20 and we’re looking at a German international who’s a senior player. They’re all irons in the fire but we might get none of them.’

"I’d love David Beckham. He has massive cult status in east London and still has a house near Bishop’s Stortford, not far from our training ground. He’s from Chingford, which is our heartland. We are the club of east London and Essex.

"If AC Milan didn’t want him in January and if he still wanted to do it, I’d love to have David Beckham for a few months through the American close season. He would have a tremendous impact. He seems a remarkable professional, as lean and fit as he’s ever been.

Sullivan also said that Boa Morte has been offered another contract.

"It’s not quite what he was on but it’s still a very good deal," said Sullivan.

"He’s a decent enough player and had a decent game at the end of the season but if he wants to move on, that’s fine as well. We’ll find somebody else."

However it seems that West Ham are resigned to losing Matthew Upson,

"We keep hearing the agent may have done a deal with a bigger club. I can’t say who but I wish they’d get on and make an offer. We’ve had offers from lesser clubs who he probably wouldn’t go to. He probably fancies one last throw of the dice at a big club. I wish Matthew well."

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Avram Grant Appointment Next Wednesday

Last week the newspapers all claimed that Avram Grant would be unveiled as West Ham manager this week. The latest news from The Telegraph is that West Ham will announce Grant's appointment next Wednesday.

The Telegraph claim that Grant has agreed a three-year deal on a salary of £1.9 million and has already been involved in discussing transfer targets and players who can be sold.

The paper also say that Steve Clarke was hoping to get the manager's job himself but now that Avram Grant has been appointed realises he has to leave. Clarke, according to The Telegraph, is in discussion with West Ham over an 'amicable settlement'.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

West Ham is for Sale, Parker Isn't

West Ham co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have both increased their shareholdings in West Ham United from 25 per cent to 30 per cent, taking the proportion of the club they now jointly own to 60 per cent.

The due together bought 10 per cent from CB Holdings, for £8m, with £4m going to the club and £4m going to CB Holdings. CB Holdings still own 40 per cent of the club, although the chairmen have a three-year option to buy these shares.

West Ham say that the "£4m that goes to West Ham will bridge the gap in the club's finances."

Meanwhile Karren Brady has reiterated that Scott Parker is not for sale,

"David Sullivan has given his word that Scott Parker will not be sold and I think that's absolutely what we wish to deliver to the supporters, that he's not going to be sold," Brady said.

"So I think Aston Villa should reconsider making any approach because the worst thing is that it's very unsettling for the player, very unsettling for the club.

"I think if we wanted to sell him we'd go about it a different way but we really don't. He's the player of the year and he's very important to us in building a better team to take West Ham into a better future."

Villa in for Parker

The Daily Express claim that Aston Villa are preparing a £10 million for Scott Parker should they lose James Milner to Man City.

The Washington Post has made some weird joke about an obscure basketball player joining West Ham and the official West Ham site have for some reason rehashed the story (doh! Now I've rehashed it as well).

Avram Turns Down Chelsea

The Daily Mail are reporting that Avram Grant has turned down the role of director of football at Chelsea because he wants to manage West Ham, even though Chelsea were prepared to pay him more. The paper says Grant will be unveiled as West Ham manager next week.

The Mail also say that Steve Clarke will be leaving the club after a compensation deal is worked out.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Avram Grant Deal 65% Complete

The Daily Telegraph are reporting sources within West Ham claiming that the deal to sign Avram Grant is almost 65% complete. However the newspaper says that David Sullivan wants to complete a 'selection process', having drawn up a shortlist which also includes Sam Allardyce, Ian Holloway and Dave Jones.

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

West Ham Turn Down Offers for Cole

The Daily Telegraph say West Ham have turned down four offers for Carlton Cole from Fulham, Birmingham City, Stoke City and an unnamed foreign side.

The Telegraph say that the all three English teams fell well short of offering the £15 million that West Ham want for Cole. However they say that the overseas side may be closer to meeting the club's valuation of the West Ham striker.

Monday, May 17, 2010

West Ham After Fat Sam

Sky Sports are reporting that West Ham want to interview Sam Allardyce, Avram Grant, Dave Jones and Ian Holloway for the manager's job at Upton Park.

Personally I've never enjoyed a performance I've seen by a team managed by Sam Allardyce. Over the years I've felt betrayed by West Ham more times than I could mention but I think the appointment of Fat Sam would just about be the final straw.

Cole Bid Rejected

The Daily Mirror say West Ham have rejected a £10 million bid for Carlton Cole from Birmingham City. The Mirror claim the deal was £8 million cash with £2 million in bonuses.

Despite turning down City's offer The Mirror say West Ham are keen to sell Cole. They claim that co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan have been in touch with a string of agents in an attempt to get the best possible deal for the player.

The Mirror say that Aston Villa and Liverpool are also interested in the West Ham striker.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

West Ham in the Sunday Papers

The Daily Mail claim that West Ham are determined to offload Robert Green to reduce the club's wage bill. They say that German club Schalke 04 have already expressed interest in the £6m rated Green. They also claim that West Ham have made a £1m offer for Crystal Palace's Argentine goalkeeper Julian Speroni as Green's replacement.

Scott Parker says he wants to stay at West Ham but only if the club can establish some kind of stability. Parker seems to be suggesting that the previous owners destabilised the club by selling off key players. I wonder how he might therefore react if the West Ham owners do sell off key players such as Green and Cole.

I want to stay here, but that is out of my hands," Parker told The People.

"I have had a great season and the fans really appreciate me, but at the same time I want to see the club going in the right way. I certainly don't want to be involved in another season like this. I think stability is the key factor and the club needs massive investment.

"Hopefully the new owners will do what they have to do, strengthen the squad and we can move forward. It is encouraging that they want to bring in so many new players and hopefully they can do that."

The Daily Star say that Avram Grant will be named West Ham manager this week.

Zola to Meet Owners to Agree Departure

The Daily Mail claim that today's meeting between Gianfranco Zola and the club's owners is only to try to hammer out the terms of his departure.

The Mail say:

Zola wants £6 million in compensation but the board want to pay about £1 million

Steve Clarke can stay if he accepts a pay cut

Slaven Bilic, Glenn Hoddle and Paulo Sousa are under consideration as replacements but the club are looking far and wide for a replacement for Zola

Alvin Martin will be part of a new coaching set-up at the club

In other news, Boa Morte has phoned David Sullivan to apologise for his outburst after the Man City game and his apology has been accepted. However it is still being reported that his contract at the club will not be renewed when it expires next month.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Boa Morte Says Good Bye

Boa Morte has revealed that he is probably leaving West Ham at the end of June when his contract expires.

Yesterday Boa Morte signed off in style with a fine goal against Man City followed by some fine criticism of the present owners' media campaign against Gianfranco Zola.

On the official West Ham website Boa Morte acknowledged that he hasn't always been a favourite with some of the West Ham fans,

"It was a good experience to get a good reception. This was my last game as well, so thanks to everyone. I have had some hard times with the West Ham supporters but that's just football. I kept working and never turned my face away - that's the way to be in football, and I'm happy to be like that."

Friday, May 07, 2010

Zola & Owners to Meet Tuesday

The Daily Telegraph say that Gianfranco Zola will meet with the club's owners on Tuesday to decide his future. The Telegraph seem to be indicating that the discussion will probably centre on the terms of his departure from the manager's job.

Zola is paid around £1.9 million a year and it is believed his contract guarantees a pay-off of one year's salary should he be sacked.

Upson May Sign New Contract

Matthew Upson has indicated that he may sign a new contract with West Ham.

"I would rather play for a club that is demanding and has the harsh realities that come with playing here", the defender said. "I enjoy it here because you have to give everything each time you play.

There has been a lot of pressure. Aside from the relegation battle, there is the general pressure of playing at West Ham United and what is expected from us every time we run out on that pitch. I have always said I enjoy that.

The campaign turned into a battle and it is good to come out on top from that. It would be nice not to experience that again and I am sure the club can build on this."

Thursday, May 06, 2010

£4 million Needed to Pay Wage Bill

David Sullivan has revealed that West Ham were 10 days away from possible administration in January and will need another £4 million pumped into the club in the summer to pay the players' wage bill.

"West Ham United were ten days away from a total fire sale of all their players or administration, or worse, in January. I believe that in the next 12 months a substantial club will not only go into administration, but it will be liquidated and cease to exist.

"We had to inject £15 million in January to prevent this happening at West Ham and a further £4 million will be injected, by myself and David Gold, to pay the summer wages.

"Over the Summer months and next 12 months we will continue our policy of trimming excess, whilst trying to bring a better team to Upton Park. We cannot let West Ham United become another Portsmouth or Crystal Palace."

Wednesday, May 05, 2010

West Ham Refute Daily Star Wages Claim

West Ham have issued a statement refuting claims made in today's Daily Star about the wage bill at the club.

The Star claim to have a document that outlines the wages of the players and managers at West Ham. The West Ham statement says that "the figures contained within it are totally inaccurate and the document is a hoax." The statement goes on to say that "West Ham United will make no further comment with the matter now in the hands of the club's lawyers and the Press Complaints Commission."

The Star's article says that West Ham's annual wage bill is £36.7m. They claim that Luis Boa Morte, Kieron Dyer, Matthew Upson and Scott Parker pick up £70,000 a week and that Danny Gabbidon and Carlton Cole are paid £50,000 a week.

West Ham to Bid for Dorrans and Eagles

The Daily Mail say West Ham are preparing to make an improved bid of £5m for West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans. The paper say that West Ham are prepared to hand the 22-year-old a four-year £30,000-a-week deal, which they hope will turn the player's head.

Click Lancashire say that West Ham are after Burnley midfielder Chris Eagles. The website says that West Ham will face competition from Sp#rs and Everton for the player.

Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Cole Apologises, Green Target for Schalke

The Metro say that Robert Green is certain to leave West Ham this summer. Although they seem to be basing this assumption on the claim that all the West Ham squad is up for sale.

The Metro say that German side Schalke are keen to sign Green as a replacement for Germany international Manuel Neuer.

Carlton Cole has publicly apologised to West Ham fans for the team's performance this year,

"The fans love the club so much and they don't deserve to go through what they've been through this year and for me personally, I'd like to apologise," said Cole.

"We haven't been good enough and hopefully next season we can put it right.

"I represent West Ham. The players and the manager will tell you, we're all sorry things haven't worked out the way they were supposed to this season. But we need to regroup and start again next season and hopefully we can. We are going to do better next season, that's the bottom line."

We all know that we haven't been good enough this season. Scott Parker's been brilliant, and he's my players' Player of the Year. Obviously he's the fans' favourite, so there's no way they're going to be looking to sell him.

"But as for the rest I don't know what's going on. Everyone knows we're in financial difficulties and if the right offer comes in for anybody, you can't really turn it down.

"That's football. I think at any club in the Premier League, if someone's offered a good amount for one of your players and you think it's worth it, you're going to take it."

Monday, May 03, 2010

West Ham Survive

Hull's draw today means that West Ham's place in the Premier League next year has finally been secured.

Radoslav Kovac says that every one in the West Ham camp is 'incredibly relieved' at West Ham's survival.

"Everyone is incredibly relieved," he told Pravo. "I can't even describe it in words.

"First of all for the fans who have been fantastic throughout the season, even despite us failing at a number of key home fixtures. Had we not been dropping so many points at home, we would have avoided relegation much earlier.

"We started the league poorly, it just slipped through our fingers. That was the biggest problem. From the winter we knew we would be in the relegation battle."

"I am sure we will not be fighting against the drop for the second time in a row. We will put in use our experiences and will surely be better."

Sunday, May 02, 2010

Fulham 3 West Ham 2

Yawn, yawn, yawn ... 23rd minute: Noble forced a save from Shwarzer at the expense of a corner. From the corner Upson heads wide from 10 yards ... 26th minute: Dempsey hit the top of the crossbar from 20 yards with Green beaten ... yawn, yawn yawn ...

In the last five minutes of the first half the game suddenly came to some sort of life after forty minutes of boredom. In the 41st minute Da Costa tried a 30 yard effort which forced Shawarzer into a save, at the expense of a corner. from the corner Kovac headed just wide from 8 yards.

In the 44th minute Faubert played Cole clean through on goal but Cole was wrongly given offside. Fulham then broke forward and within a minute Dempsey opened the scoring, beating Green with a shot from the edge of the area into the bottom left corner of the goal.

If West Ham's performance in the first half was lackadaisical their performance at the start of the second half was truly inept. Fulham Reserves Ladies were able to just stroke the ball around at will whilst the West Ham players looked on with a distinct lack of interest.

In the 56th minute Upson just avoided scoring an own goal when he put the ball inches over the bar from 5 yards. However this lead to a series of corners from Fulham which in turn led to a shot from 10 yards by Baird, which was heading well wide but cannoned off Cole and into the back of the West Ham net.

It took West Ham just two minutes to get one back. Cole cancelled out his own goal by scoring with a glancing header from 9 yards from a Noble freekick from wide and deep on the left wing.

In the 61st minute Diamanti and Franco came on for Ilan and Faubert. In the 80th minute Spector criminally gave the ball away on the West Ham byline on the left wing, after having an age to clear the ball. After stealing the ball from Spector Riise crossed the ball low into the area where Okaka had a tap in from five yards.

In the 92nd minutes Franco went some way to saving West Ham's blushes after Parker pulled the ball back for him to score from ten yards.

Bugger the MP's expenses scandal. It's criminal that these boys in claret and blue will pick up tens of thousand pounds each this week for this joke of a performance. The players keep making a big deal about playing for Zola. After this performance you can't help thinking that they have more or less guaranteed his departure from the club.

With the whole squad up for sale and after being laughed off the pitch at Craven Cottage I hear that Comedy Central are interested in signing half the West Ham side.

Saturday, May 01, 2010

Zola Unhappy with Owners' Behaviour

The gulf between Gianfranco Zola and West Ham's owners now seems to suggest the inevitable departure of the manager at the end of the season.

When asked about West Ham's approach for Dorrans the West Ham manager was clearly not happy with Gold and Sullivan,

"It is not nice, is it?

"I just found out in the newspaper. It was quite surprising. I know he is a good player and has played regularly this season.

"But I did not know the club was interested. The point is, I didn't know anything about it, whether I am interested in him or not. I've been surprised so many times so I'm not surprised I'm surprised!"

When asked about the owners' claim that all the players are available for transfer in the summer Zola replied,

"If I was Mark Noble, Robert Green or Valon Behrami, I would not be pleased to listen to that.

"It's not pleasant to find out. That's the way it goes. Despite everything, the players, staff and supporters have stayed close. We have fought very hard against difficulties. That is a very good thing.

"I will talk about my future at the end of the season and the season has not finished yet."